When in New York City: What to do when missing a date with Lady Liberty? Enjoy Battery Park.

It was a date I was eagerly looking forward to—a photo shoot with New York City’s most popular figure. She would be the most photographed lady in the Big Apple, an eligible bachelorette of French descent, and a most gracious hostess, who welcomes guests from all over the globe. This lady is a superstar, and everybody looks up to her—literally. New York City is lucky to have one grand lady—the Lady Liberty. She stands tall on an island in the New York Harbor she can call her own, Liberty Island. If there's one character somewhere in the diverse cultural landscape of the city, like a drag queen or a door bitch in the hottest dance club, no family relation can be established.

When traveling, it's best to kick off the day early. It means more time to discover—always a wise way to make the most out of any trip. One particular NYC morning was special. I will finally get to meet the big lady in the city.

Along with the rest of the Davao tourists, we headed to Battery Park, another invaluable part of New York’s history for the past 200 years. This would be the jump-off point of the ferry ride to the lady’s home.

Upon stepping off the cab, we were met by a tsunami of ice-cold wind blasts. Talk about cold treatment. In a half-frozen state while uttering a litany of holy names (a few with middle initials), we bravely trekked the path to the dock. Even with multiple layers of clothing, it wasn't enough to battle the cold.

We never made it to the ticket booth, where a long line was snaking. Just a few minutes out in the open, the cold has turned unbearable. I will be in a frozen state a few more minutes, and I may unconsciously litter the park with my body parts. That would not be a very pretty picture.

“Excuse me, sir, you dropped your ear.”

Awkward.

“The other ear I passed a few meters back must also be yours.”

Way awkward.

So, trying to avoid what could inevitably happen, I decided to postpone my date with Lady Liberty. The rest of my travel mates followed suit. If I can’t handle the cold on land, I definitely won't handle the temperature drop out in open water. Meeting Miss Hypothermia, with a buss and hug to match, on the short cruise prior to meeting Lady Liberty was never in the plan. 

But before seeking the solace of the warm environs, the quick tour of The Battery and the photo ops cannot be denied.

They say that The Battery is beautiful in springtime, as well as in summer and fall. The park plays host to concerts on its ground, an ideal spot for a picnic, a stroll, a bike ride, or just to while away your time. For the tourists, its rich history is a plus to the park’s charm.

The 25-acre waterfront park is New York City’s oldest open space created by the Dutch settlers. It became a fort during the war and the site of the world’s first immigration depot, welcoming millions from around the globe. Today, the number of people welcomed—tourists and not immigrants—has in no way diminished. On a daily basis, the park receives hundreds of thousands either to enjoy the gardens or make their way to Liberty and Ellis Islands.

To freeze or not to freeze—it was a boat ride I never took on a last-second decision. I know I stood up Miss Liberty on a date, but it was for a good reason. She knows I will be back in the Big Apple soon. Then, I will go see her.